Photo: Courtesy of Perspecta
In a modern workplace, employees simply press their computer’s power button and move on with accomplishing their work. They don’t need to think about the many ensuing steps initiated by that press of the button—configuration settings get loaded, system checks are initialized and authentication processes begin. This automation makes it easier for users to access applications and databases with speed and security.
As the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) works toward rolling out the Defense Enclave Services (DES) program, automation will be an important part of the transformational effort. Consolidating networks and managing the common-use information technology (IT) for 22 U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) agencies present challenges that demand more computing power for repeatable processes.
Like the steps behind the power button, DES will have automated functions in the background that execute core parts of the program. But, DES will require a framework with innovation, cyber, engineering and other resources that complement automation. This will increase end-user productivity and keep the agencies—also known as the Fourth Estate—operating at peak performance for many years.
Other DOD transformation initiatives led by Perspecta have shown how to structure these resources for maximum effect, as described below.
Deploy commercial technologies
The deployment of commercial technologies delivers value. This is a central tenet of DES and for good reason: cloud-based applications and data warehouses don’t incur development costs, and automatic updates eliminate the manual work associated with proprietary systems. Moreover, commercial technologies are familiar to many users—resulting in reduced training costs.
However, because of their standardized nature, commercial technologies can be more susceptible to threats. This demands a framework with layers of automated, continuous security monitoring activities that are elastic enough to keep up with the velocity, volume and veracity of data throughout the enterprise and supply chain. Adopting a security-first approach is essential—observe and monitor each check point for rapid anomaly detection, policy enforcement and a corresponding defensive response.
Plan for customization
A second point for DISA to consider is the need for customization as exemplified by a variation of the 80/20 rule: 80% of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software may satisfy requirements, but only 20% gets deployed because customized solutions need more effort to address policy restrictions and security approvals. The Fourth Estate agencies’ different missions will definitely necessitate customization for user interfaces, database access and other requirements. By their agnostic nature, system integrators are well suited to evaluating the best original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products for DOD agencies, tailoring and scaling them to meet the need.
Implement an innovation framework
The use of an innovative framework will ensure that DES can meet ongoing needs and not just the immediate ones based on today’s specifications. Effective frameworks are built on systems engineering principles that apply automation for functions such as testing and validating each configuration against existing architectures and security requirements. Perspecta’s service automation is grounded in Zeus—our proprietary as-a-service framework and toolset—to provide IT orchestration and automation transparency.
Innovative frameworks take advantage of unique solutions such as Zeus to simplify and automate equipment ordering, asset management and reporting. An innovative framework also makes use of flexible service-level agreements (SLAs) to reduce risk, allowing agencies to plan for the availability of undiscovered technologies and optimize operations in any future market condition.
Another benefit of an innovative framework is the attraction of talent. The best talent will be drawn to the Fourth Estate agencies because the projects within an innovation framework are interesting and leading edge. Add to that a mission focus, and the work becomes even more desirable because of the “cool” factor associated with integrating COTS technology into a DOD network.
DOD knows the challenges of protecting the nation. In its digital modernization strategy, leaders are moving forward and creating the right foundation to support fighting the next war. DES embodies this future-focused strategy with its mix of automation, human skills and capabilities, collaboration and continuous innovation. The results of this transformation will be apparent quickly, making DES a model for how federal agencies best fulfill their missions.
Shurronne Young Davis is a senior director of enterprise security for Perspecta, which has performed multiple digital transformation programs for the DOD. She leads teams in designing and building information architectures that strengthen the cybersecurity postures of government agencies. Contact her at Shurronne.YoungDavis@perspecta.com.
